Trimless glass enclosure interface

ABSTRACT

An enclosure for a portable computing device can include a cover glass affixed to an enclosure without trim pieces disposed between the cover glass and the disclosure. In one embodiment, the enclosure can include an edge profile that can define a relatively large contact pad about the enclosure. The contact pad can distribute impact forces over a relatively large area and thereby protect the cover glass integrity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/060,490, filed Mar. 3, 2016 and titled “TrimlessGlass Enclosure Interface,” to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 9,886,065, whichis a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/668,799, filed Mar. 25, 2015 and titled “Trimless Glass EnclosureInterface,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,285,833, which is a continuation patentapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/908,970, filed Jun.3, 2013 and titled “Trimless Glass Enclosure Interface,” now U.S. Pat.No. 9,047,044, which is a nonprovisional patent application of andclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/715,970, filed Oct. 19, 2012 and titled “TrimlessGlass Enclosure Interface,” the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

The described embodiments relate generally to enclosures for portablecomputing devices and more particularly to glass interfaces withenclosures for portable computing devices.

BACKGROUND

Portable computing devices such as media players or tablet computerstypically include a generous display configured to show a user graphicaloutput and oftentimes the display is combined with a touch sensitiveinput device that allows the user to control the portable computingdevice.

As portable computing devices become more compact, the enclosure designand the display must also become smaller. However, simply size reducingolder designs can provide a product that may not provide adequatedisplay area or may not adequately protect a cover glass attached to theportable computing device. Furthermore, conventional device enclosuresinclude trim gaskets, trim pieces, or other trim-protective featureswhich may decrease the aesthetics of a final device.

Therefore, what is desired is a portable computing device with anenclosure design that can be reduced in size, that can increaseaesthetic qualities, and that will adequately protect the cover glass.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

This paper describes various embodiments that relate to enclosures for aportable computing device. In one embodiment, a method for attaching acover glass to an enclosure of a portable computing device absent a trimpiece disposed between the cover glass and the enclosure is disclosed.The method includes affixing a display assembly to the enclosure,applying an adhesive to the enclosure, and attaching the cover glass tothe adhesive.

In another embodiment, an enclosure for a portable computing device caninclude a body formed from a single and continuous piece of aluminum,the body including a bottom an four side walls, where at least one sidewall includes a profile including a curve and an apex where the apex isarranged to be located on a 45 degree slope below an upper corner of thebody, an opening configured to receive internal components, a supportledge configured to receive an adhesive and a cover glass configured tofit within the opening and bond to the adhesive on the support ledge.

In another embodiment, a personal computing device is disclosed. Thepersonal computing device may be a tablet computer, telephone, mediaplayer, or other computing device. The device may include a body formedfrom a single and continuous piece of aluminum. The body may include abottom and at least one side wall. The at least one side wall includes aprofile including a curve and an apex arranged to be located on a slopebelow an upper corner of the body. The body may further include a cavityconfigured to receive internal components, a support ledge configured toreceive an adhesive, and a cover glass configured to fit within theopening and bond to the adhesive on the support ledge.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The described embodiments and the advantages thereof may best beunderstood by reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings in no waylimit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the describedembodiments by one skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the described embodiments.

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a cross sectional view of a conventional portablecomputing device.

FIG. 2 (Prior Art) is a planar view of a portion of the computing deviceof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a portable computing device inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a planar view of a portion of the computing device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of forming a device in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of forming a device in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to thepresent application are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of thedescribed embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in theart that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or allof these specific details. In other instances, well known process stepshave not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible,such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a conventional portable computingdevice 100. The portable computing device 100 can include an enclosure102. The enclosure can form a cavity that can enclose various functionalcomponents for the portable computing device such as a battery, aprocessor, memory, wireless interfaces etc. The portable computingdevice 100 can include a display assembly 101 that can include a liquidcrystal display, filters and a light source. The portable computingdevice 100 can include a cover glass 105 that can be attached to theenclosure 102 with an adhesive 103. Disposed between cover glass 105 andenclosure 102 is a trim piece 110. The trim piece 110 can absorb someshock that can be transmitted from enclosure 102 to cover glass 105 whenportable computing device 100 is exposed to an impact along the X-axisas shown. Additionally trim piece 110 can be used to mask any tolerancebuild up problems that can be present in the design of portablecomputing device 100, particularly in the area of the interface betweenthe cover glass 105 and the enclosure 102.

An impact along the X-axis can occur when portable computing devicefalls and lands on or near apex 115. The edge profile 120 near apex 115can define a narrow contact pad 125 (shown with cross hatched lines). Aconsequence of the narrow contact pad 125 is that forces subjected tothe region of the narrow contact pad 125 are concentrated and candeliver a relatively sharper shock or impact in the region near narrowcontact pad 125, such as near cover glass 105. In some cases, a blow orimpact to the narrow contact pad 125 can cause damage to cover glass105, even with trim piece 110 available to absorb a portion of theimpact forces.

FIG. 2 is a planar view of a portion of the device 100. As shown, thedevice 100, when viewed from above the cover glass 105, includes a clearview of the trim piece 110. The trim piece 110 extends about the coverglass 105, and therefore is seen while a user is manipulating or usingdevice 100. As such, the trim piece 110 may detract from the overallaesthetic quality of device 100.

However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methodsand apparatuses which overcome these and other drawbacks, as describedbelow.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a portable computing device 200 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Portablecomputing device 200 can include an enclosure 202. The enclosure 202 canbe formed from a resilient and sturdy material. In one embodiment,enclosure 202 can be formed from aluminum. Enclosure 202 can be shapedto form a cavity 204 to enclose and protect various components that canbe included with the portable computing device 200 such as a processor,memory, wireless interfaces, battery, etc. As shown in FIG. 3, theenclosure 202 defines a recess 205 which is part of the cavity 204.Portable computing device can also include a display assembly 201 thatcan include a LCD display and a backlight. In one embodiment, thedisplay assembly 201 can be configured to include a relatively smallerborder area than conventional display assemblies. Smaller border areascan enable an active screen area to be affected to a lesser extent evenwhen an overall size of the portable computing device 200 can be smallerthan portable computing device 100.

Adhesive 203 can be disposed on a support 220 formed within enclosure202. In one embodiment adhesive 203 can bond a cover glass 205 toenclosure 202. The cover glass 205 can be bonded directly to enclosure202 without any extra layers between cover glass 205 and enclosure 202(such as trim piece 110 shown above). In one embodiment machiningoperations for the enclosure 202, especially operations for formingsupport 220 and side wall 221 can be formed at relatively the same timethereby allowing relatively good control of tolerances associated withthe opening configured to receive cover glass 205. Machining operationsfor cover glass 205 can also be well controlled enabling the cover glass205 to fit relatively well with a highly controlled gap 223 betweenenclosure 202 and cover glass 205.

Enclosure 202 can include a gentle sweeping edge profile 225. The edgeprofile 225 can form a broad contact pad 215. The broad contact pad 215can spread any impact forces received in this edge area over arelatively greater area than the narrow contact pad 125. This largerarea can absorb and distribute impact forces through more of enclosure202. The gentle sweeping edge profile 225 also provides a less prominentapex 235 in the edge area. The less prominent apex 235 can also helpdistribute impact forces received in the edge area. In one embodiment,apex 235 can be positioned on a 45 degree line emanating from top corner222 of enclosure 202. In another embodiment, the apex 235 can bepositioned on a line at a differing angle than that illustrated,according to any desired structural or aesthetic characteristics of afinished product.

According to one embodiment, device 200 weighs approximately 0.7 lbs.According to another embodiment, device 200 weighs less than about 0.7lbs. According to yet another embodiment, the device 200 weighs lessthan about 1.4 lbs. Accordingly, the relatively low weight of device 200further enhances the applicability of the edge profile 225, allowing forthe clean lined top-down view without necessitating the additional trimpiece 110 of device 100. However, in some embodiments, a trim piecesomewhat similar to trim piece 110 may be included for additionalprotection of cover glass 205.

According to one embodiment, the gap 223 is approximately 0.05 mmAccording to another embodiment, the gap 223 is less than about 0.05 mm.According to yet another embodiment, the gap 223 is slightly larger thanabout 0.05 mm. Accordingly, the small size of the gap 223 allows for adesirable and clean interface between the enclosure 202 and displaypanel glass 205 further enhancing aesthetics of the device 200.

FIG. 4 is a planar view of a portion of the device 200. As shown, thedevice 200, when viewed from above the cover glass 205, includes a cleanand desirable interface between cover glass 205 and enclosure 202, withonly the relatively small gap 223 viewable. As such, the aestheticquality of device 200 may be desirable.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart 300 of a method of forming a device similar todevice 200, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Themethod can begin in step 302 by receiving the enclosure 202. In step304, a display assembly 201 can be mounted within the enclosure 202and/or cavity 204. In step 306, adhesive 203 can be applied to theenclosure 202. In one embodiment, adhesive 203 can be applied to support220 on enclosure 202. In another embodiment, adhesive 203 can be apressure sensitive adhesive. In yet another embodiment, adhesive 203 canbe a compliant foam with a pressure sensitive adhesive applied on twosides of the compliant foam. In step 308, the cover glass 205 can beattached to the adhesive.

As described above, the enclosure 202 may be received, a displayassembly mounted, and a cover glass attached. However, the same may bevaried in many ways. For example, pressure sensitive adhesive may beapplied in any step preceding application of the cover glass 205.Furthermore, machining, polishing, and other steps may also beapplicable.

For example, FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method 400 of forming a devicesimilar to device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention. The method 400 can begin in step 402 by forming the enclosure202 with the sweeping edge profile 225 and associated sidewall 221adjacent to support 220. The forming may include forming the enclosure202 from a single piece of aluminum, for example, using a machiningdevice, cutting device, or any other suitable device to form thefeatures described herein.

In step 404, a display assembly 201 can be mounted within the enclosure202 and/or cavity 204. In step 406, adhesive 203 can be applied to theenclosure 202. In step 408, the cover glass 205 can be attached to theadhesive.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations oras computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controllinga manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storagedevice that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computersystem. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-onlymemory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, andoptical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a body ofunitary construction defining: an exterior surface having an edgeprofile that includes a curved portion extending from a bottom surfaceof the body to a side of the body; an interior cavity including arecess; and a support positioned along an edge of the interior cavityand above the recess; a cover glass attached to the support and abuttinga sidewall of the body; and a display assembly positioned within theinterior cavity such that a portion of the display assembly extends intothe recess.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the sidewalldefines a top corner of the body; and the edge profile further includesa sloped portion extending from the top corner.
 3. The electronic deviceof claim 2, wherein the top corner of the body is coplanar with a topsurface of the cover glass.
 4. The electronic device of claim 2, whereinthe curved portion of the edge profile meets the sloped portion of theedge profile at an apex.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4, whereinthe apex defines an obtuse angle.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the body is formed from a billet of aluminum.
 7. An electronicdevice comprising: an enclosure having a unitary construction anddefining: a sidewall defining: an edge profile of the enclosureextending from a top of the sidewall to a bottom of the enclosure, theedge profile having a curved portion extending from a side of theenclosure to the bottom of the enclosure; a support ledge; an interiorsurface of the sidewall extending upwards from the support ledge; and aninterior cavity including a recess extending underneath the supportledge; a cover affixed to the support ledge such that an edge of thecover is set apart from the interior surface of the sidewall by a gap;and a display assembly attached to and suspended from the cover suchthat a portion of the display assembly extends into the recess.
 8. Theelectronic device of claim 7, wherein the interior surface of thesidewall extends from the support ledge to the top of the sidewall. 9.The electronic device of claim 8, wherein an exterior surface of thesidewall comprises a sloped surface extending outward from the top ofthe sidewall.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein: the curvedportion of the sidewall defines a curved surface; and the curved surfaceadjoins the sloped surface at an apex.
 11. The electronic device ofclaim 7, wherein a distance between the edge of the cover and theinterior surface of the sidewall in the gap is less than 0.05 mm. 12.The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the enclosure is formed ofaluminum and the cover is formed of glass.
 13. The electronic device ofclaim 7, further comprising an adhesive between the support ledge andthe cover.
 14. An electronic device comprising: a cover glass; a body ofunitary construction defining: a cavity interior to the body andcomprising a recess; a sidewall defining an upper ledge configured toreceive the cover glass, the cover glass affixed to the upper ledge andabutting the sidewall; and a lower ledge positioned below the upperledge and defining a lower portion of the recess, the recess positionedbelow the upper ledge; and a display assembly positioned at leastpartially within the recess.
 15. The electronic device of claim 14,wherein the lower ledge extends further into an interior of theelectronic device than the upper ledge.
 16. The electronic device ofclaim 14, wherein the sidewall defines an edge profile comprising anapex and a sloped portion extending outward from a top corner of thesidewall to the apex.
 17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein theapex defines an oblique angle.
 18. The electronic device of claim 16wherein the edge profile further comprises a curved portion extendinginward from the apex.
 19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein thecurved portion of the edge profile extends to a bottom surface of thebody.
 20. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the edge profiledefines a contact pad which absorbs and distributes impact forcesthrough the body.